Text of MCI Press Release

MCI to Engage in Further Discussions With Qwest

ASHBURN, Va. -- MCI today announced its intention to engage with Qwest to review its latest proposal from February 24, 2005 to acquire MCI. This decision was made with the concurrence of Verizon.

In entering into the merger agreement with Verizon on February 14, 2005, MCI's Board of Directors unanimously determined that the Verizon transaction was in the best interests of its shareholders. At that time, Qwest was proposing two separate offers: 1) to acquire MCI for $18.27 per share, in cash or 2) to acquire MCI for 3.735...